Sad ending: Seattle film to document Sonics’ departure

If you’re among those who haven’t quite gotten over the departure of the Seattle Sonics, local filmmaker Jason Reid is working on a nonprofit documentary titled “Sonicsgate” that will be released on the Internet on Oct. 12.

A preview screening of the 80-minute film is open to the public on Friday, Oct. 9, at Seattle’s SIFF Cinema (321 Mercer St.) and tickets are available at sonicsgate.org or siff.net.

Reid’s goal is to keep the Sonics’ issue alive in the hope of eventually getting another NBA team back in Seattle.

“This film exposes the truth behind the SuperSonics’ tragic exodus after 41 years in the Emerald City,” Reid said. “There are people who need to be held accountable for how the team was scandalously ripped away from fans.”

The effort contains interviews with many of the main characters involved in the Sonics’ drama, including former U.S. Sen. Slade Gorton, attorneys Paul Lawrence, Brad Keller and Tom Carr as well as numerous media members and NBA players.

It’ll be narrated by John Keister with a soundtrack featuring music by Jake One, Neema, Grynch, Wizdom, Sir Mix-a-Lot and Cancer Rising.

Not sure how many fans will want to re-live the story, but I admire Reid’s passion. Here’s a trailer of the film: